Language proficiency predictors of code-switching behavior in dual-language-learning children.

Area of Science:

• Psycholinguistics
• Child Language Acquisition
• Bilingualism Research

Background:

• Code-switching is common in bilingual communication.
• Understanding factors influencing code-switching in young children is crucial.
• Previous research has explored various motivations for code-switching.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of linguistic abilities and age on code-switching frequency and purposes in preschoolers.
• To analyze compensatory, preferential, and pragmatic reasons for code-switching.
• To examine the relationship between societal and heritage language skills and code-switching patterns.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of parental code-switching ratings from 101 dual-language learners (German/French-Turkish/Italian).
• Participants aged 32-78 months.
• Application of generalized linear mixed models to assess linguistic skills and age effects.

Main Results:

• Positive correlation found between societal- and heritage-language skills and code-switching frequency.
• No significant effect of age on code-switching frequency or purposes was observed.
• High proficiency in both languages correlated with a tendency to switch towards the societal language; low proficiency showed the opposite tendency.

Conclusions:

• Preschoolers' code-switching primarily reflects high linguistic competence.
• Societal and heritage language skills significantly impact code-switching frequency.
• Language proficiency levels dictate the directionality of code-switching relative to the societal language.